A new £280 million racing circuit has been granted outline planning permission in Ebbw Vale, Wales. Bosses say the Circuit of Wales will host international motorsport events and will become a centre for motorsport industries.
The Heads of the Valleys Development company estimates 750,000 people will visit the circuit each year, generating £50 million per year for the economy. Up to 3000 jobs will be created in the development of the circuit, and another 4000-6000 when the site is completed. Ebbw Vale has one of the largest unemployment rates in the country.
Bosses say the 830-acre development will represent the UK’s largest-ever privately led capital investment programme in motorsport-related infrastructure. Construction is due to start later this year.
Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council is satisfied the scale of the 3.5-mile circuit is acceptable, but a further more detailed proposal must now be submitted.
The first stage of construction will include a hotel and retail outlets, to comply with the circuit's multifunction brief, while the second stage will add the circuit itself alongside Motorcross, karting and off-road driving areas.
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3000-4000 jobs?
I'd love to believe these numbers, and God knows the region could use some help on the economic front, but I'm struggling to understand how a race circuit and associated hotels can generate that many new jobs. In terms of accessibility, it's not as far into Wales as Pembrey but still maybe far enough away from major population centres to struggle. All that said, I wish them well, and look forward to having the opportunity to marshal there once it opens.
OH my!
Please!!!, we're humans, no patriotism here,anyway,if your a motorsport diehard, you'll put up with any hassle to get to a venue,just hope there's no Mine Shafts........?!
Grammar! Heads of the
Grammar! Heads of the Valleys - not Valley's; it doesn't "belong" to the Valley.